Red Alerts Mean Red Lights for Outdoor Work: OHSA's New Storm Safety Rules
The Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to safeguard workers during extreme weather events. The proposed regulations, which are set to become legally binding, will revolutionize how employers and self-employed individuals manage outdoor work during red alert storms and gale-force winds exceeding Force 9-10.
Under these new rules, all outdoor work deemed hazardous will be halted immediately upon the issuance of a red alert by the Meteorological Office. This includes critical tasks such as roof repairs, scaffolding work, and operations on elevated structures. Tower cranes and lifting equipment must be left free to slew, with all suspended loads removed, while loose materials and temporary structures need to be secured or cleared to prevent falling debris.
Duty holders are also required to take proactive measures, such as isolating vulnerable electrical systems, maintaining clear emergency access routes, updating on-site warning signage, and providing workers with clear instructions on safe travel and site evacuation. This comprehensive approach ensures that workers are well-prepared and informed before, during, and after severe weather events.
The framework introduces a three-phase approach: preparation before severe weather, mandatory actions during the alert, and structured safety checks before work can resume. This structured process includes:
- Preparation Phase: Employers must conduct risk assessments focused on wind exposure and work at height, develop contingency plans, inspect sites for unsecured objects, and implement special protections for vulnerable workers. Training, emergency procedures, and continuous monitoring of worksites are also crucial during this phase.
- Alert Phase: During a red alert, all outdoor work must cease. Duty holders must ensure that vulnerable electrical systems are isolated, emergency access routes are clear, warning signage is updated, and workers are provided with clear instructions on safe travel and site evacuation.
- Post-Alert Phase: After the alert is lifted, work may only restart following formal inspections and updated risk assessments addressing any storm damage. Project supervisors must confirm that protective measures are in place, while workers are obliged to report any remaining hazards.
The new instrument applies across all sectors involving outdoor activity, from construction and road works to landscaping and maritime operations, with emergency services exempt. It will carry the force of law once adopted under the Health and Safety at Work Act, and the public is invited to provide feedback during the consultation period.
These regulations are a significant step towards ensuring worker safety during extreme weather events, and they highlight the importance of proactive measures and comprehensive planning in the face of nature's fury.
